My Pet World: Pet pledges for 2015 benefit their people, too

New Year's resolutions are no longer reserved just for ourselves; many people now make resolutions for their pets, too. My Facebook fans (at www.facebook.com/SteveDalePetWorld) chimed in from around the world with their pet pledges for 2015. Here are some examples:

"Teaching people that they need to keep their cats inside!" -- K.D., Concord, CA.

"I resolve to teach Rebel to walk on manhole covers calmly." -- G.P., St. Petersburg, FL

"We recently learned that Chip (age 10) has lymphoma, so our resolution is to do whatever it takes to give him the best quality of life (chemo, meds, good food) for as long as possible. We aren't going down without a fight." -- S.P., Lombard, IL.

"I will help others understand the joy, comfort and happiness that our beloved companions give us. They are a blessing." -- L.L., Chicago, IL.

"To continue educating Mexican children on the proper way to treat animals." -- L.G.M., Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

"Spend more time cuddling with my cats!" -- R.S., Fairfax, VA

"Remembering to give heartworm preventative the first of each month." -- V.V.M., Evanston, IL.

"Helping our Australian Shepherd with hip dysplasia cope with her pain; (helping) our quirky Labrador be more calm; and for all of us, to get more exercise and be healthier!" --S.B., Lawrence, KS.

"To teach my dogs cooperative teeth brushing and nail trims." -- M.C., Magnolia, TX

"Continue to support non-profits that rescue animals to benefit veterans and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder syndrome." -- A.H., Chicago, IL

"I promised my senior rescue kitty a forever home, and I commit to educating the public nationwide about what that entails." -- M.H.C., Winter Haven, FL

"I will continue to walk and exercise our dog, Nellie, and get exercise for me." -- P. P.B., Channahon, IL

"To educate the public about pet sitters. There's a difference between the neighbor and real professionals." -- J.A., Chicago, IL

"To educate people on the importance of training their dogs so they're less likely to be surrendered, as well as teaching pet owners about proper nutrition so their pets stay healthy." -- D.C., Peoria, AZ

"My only goal for my cat is to keep him alive since he has the dry form of FIP (feline infectious peritonitis). I want him to survive for another year, and another one after that, and then another, until there's a cure." -- F.M., Lisbon, Portugal

"To help solve feline diseases, which don't seem get enough attention or funding for studies, and to support the Winn Feline Foundation. (a non-profit which funds cat health studies)." -- J. L., Brussels, Belgium.

"Continue donating to the Winn Feline Foundation and trap-neuter-return programs. (which humanely control populations of feral cats), as well as to work a healthier diet for myself." -- J.M., Boca Raton, FL.

"When there's a vacancy in my home, I'm going to sign up to be a 'fospice' volunteer. Every cat deserves a loving home for his or her final days, even those too old or sick to be adopted." -- J.K., Seattle, WA

"My resolution is to continue to help save lives through fostering, rescue transports and volunteering at my local shelter. For my own pooches, I'll continue to love them." -- J.T., Taylors, SC

"To go on a diet with my chubby Pug. We both need to drop five pounds." -- C.S., Riverwoods, IL

"To help spread the word: Adopt, don't shop!" -- N.M., Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

"Continue to volunteer as much as I can and promote shelter animals, advocate against breed discrimination, and always be grateful for the wonderful pets I come home to each night." -- A.B., Chicago, IL

Four especially notable responses:

"I resolve continue to encourage cat-friendlier veterinary practices, and for my own adorable cats to find cool new toys." -- Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, Chico, CA

"That no puppy has to come from a puppy mill, and that more pet owners experience the extra happiness that comes from adopting." -- Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey

"To make Chicago (and other cities) 100 percent no-kill." -- Illinois State Representative Sara Feigenholtz

"To help pet owners understand that regular veterinary checkups save lives and can save pet owners money. The earlier an illness or disease is found, potentially there's a better prognosis and treatment may be less expensive." -- Dr. Ron DeHaven, American Veterinary Medical Association CEO, Schaumburg, IL.

========